Date of Service:
March 11, 2022
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JAMES EAGLE CLOUGHLEY, Florida Citrus Grower, 65, of Vero Beach, FL died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with Glioblastoma on Thursday, March 3, 2022. He was born in Orlando, FL in 1956 and spent his childhood in Winter Garden and his adult life in Vero Beach and Labelle, FL. He was a graduate of Lakeview High School in Winter Garden in 1974. He attended the University of Florida where he completed his Associates of Arts Degree. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Southern College in Citrus and Horticultural Science in 1978. Shortly after, Jim began his citrus career with ABC Citrus Caretaking/Fruit Company in Orlando, FL which would be the beginning of more than 40 years in the citrus industry.
Jim and his wife Kim Modesitt Cloughley married in Boca Grande, November 30, 1985 and have been married for 37 years. They have 2 children, James Grant Cloughley and Miles Griffin Cloughley and 2 grandchildren, Merritt Jean Cloughley and James Graham Cloughley.
Jim moved to Vero Beach in 1986 to work for Jack M. Berry Inc., where he later became President of the company. He moved to Labelle, FL in 1994 where we spent the rest of his citrus career. While in Labelle, Jim was President of the Labelle Private Drainage District. He was an active member of Gulf Coast Citrus Growers Association, Florida Citrus Production Managers Association and served as team lead for Southwest Florida Citrus Health Management Area. Jim was fully devoted to the Florida citrus industry.
As a Christian, Jim was an active member of First United Methodist of Winter Garden. After relocating to Vero Beach, he transferred his fellowship to First United Methodist in 1986. Jim was strong in his faith with the Lord and always encouraged others to seek guidance in prayer and strengthen their faith.
Jim was a pilot and avid sportsman. His lifelong passions were flying, hunting, fishing and the Florida outdoors. He enjoyed weekends with friends at Bluegrass Hunt Club, family trips to the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas and the views of the American frontier. Jim and the Cloughley family have vacationed in Boca Grande for over 40 years where he loved to fish Charlotte Harbor. Jim enjoyed reading daily on his back porch and listening to live music.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Kim and his devoted sons and their spouses, Grant and Allison Strazzulla Cloughley of Vero Beach, FL and Griffin Cloughley of Port Saint Lucie, FL. Jim was the much loved grandfather to Merritt and Graham Cloughley. Jim is also survived by his two sisters, Ellen and Dr. David Jackson of Stuart FL and their children, Dr. David Creston and Kelli Jackson; Katy and Andrew Lovelady and grandchildren, Madison, Sebastian and Maci Jackson; Jackson and Austin Lovelady. Megan and Henry Daufeldt of Lake Mary, FL and his Aunt Janet Cloughley, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Grant Cloughley and Marjorie “Margie” Eagle Cloughley.
Memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Friday, March 11, at First Methodist Church Vero Beach. 1750 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960 with a reception to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made at:
VNA Hospice Foundation
1110 35th Lane
Vero Beach, FL 32960
or online at: www.vnatc.org
First United Methodist Church of Vero Beach
1750 20th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
or online at: www.firstvero.church
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Judy Beal - Friend
March 8, 2022, 12:38 pm
Kim and family, I can’t tell you how much my heart is breaking! I know Jimmy was the love of your life. I really never got the pleasure of knowing Jimmy very well but I heard so ma y wonderful things about him through you. Sending lots of love and prayers and God bless you and your family
Ellen Barker - Friend
March 8, 2022, 3:08 pm
Kim and family. I am so sorry for your loss. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Ellen Hodge Barker, Debra Hodge and Tammy Hodge Daddysman
Tim & Kathy Modesitt - Brother-in-law
March 8, 2022, 3:38 pm
Jimmy was our brother-in-law, although more like a brother. He was a blessing to our family and all that knew him. He had a good heart, positive spirit and very much enjoyed life, especially the outdoors…..hunting, fishing, boating, and just riding the woods & groves. He loved Kim, Grant, Griffin & all of his family to no end. Kim was certainly the Love of his Life. Jimmy had many good & best friends and Grant & Griffin were certainly among his best buddies. He was an awesome man, husband, father, brother-in-law & friend. We will miss you Jimmy!
Philip & Terri Strazzulla - Father and Mother in Law to Grant and Merritt & Grahams Grandparents
March 9, 2022, 10:05 am
Kim, Grant and Griffin, these past few years with Jim are precious memories, We will certainly miss our Grandchildren Merritt and Grahams “ Big Daddy”, and the love and affection that he shared with our Daughter Allison with Kim in welcoming Her to your Family. Jim was a textbook Loving Father-in-Law to Allie, and a loving Grandparent to our Grandchildren. He has instilled and reaffirmed a love of Nature and the Outdoors in all of our family’s and our little ones are much richer for it. Jim leaves us much too soon, and thankfully Kim will help us to keep his memories alive with Merritt and Graham as we shepherd them through their young lives with guidance from Uncle Griffin and the extended Modesitt and Jackson Family’s . Jimmy is flying high now, certainly heading for the crystal blue waters for another day of fishing with that big Jim Smile!
Eugene J. O’Neill - Friend
March 9, 2022, 6:30 pm
Very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He was 1st class and I know he will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to Jim’s entire family.
Vince, Eva, and Nick Montuoro - Friends and neighbors
March 11, 2022, 2:40 am
Dear Kim and family, we were saddened to her of Jim’s passing. May it comfort you to know that Jim is safe in God’s care and that we are praying for you.
Liz, Joe, Sam, Melissa and Marlee Earman - Friend
March 12, 2022, 7:32 pm
Dear Kim and family. Joe and I and the rest of the Earman family are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you peace. Love to you all.
James Franklin McWhorter - Friend of the Family
March 13, 2022, 1:07 am
My sincere condolences to Kim, Megan, Ellen and the entire Cloughley Family. Jimmy’s passing is a great loss to them, and Central and South Florida as well. I watched him grow up from childhood to adulthood, and he was a fine young man. My heart goes out to the Family, and I feel your loss. It is so tragic that he passed away at such a young age. RIP Jimmy
Alleen Brown - Coworker
March 15, 2022, 3:14 pm
My sincere condolences, I am very sorry for your loss. I am very grateful that I met Jimmy, I will miss him.